Driving without distraction support system

ABSTRACT

A processor-implemented system for supporting use of a reduced driving distraction program on a mobile device is disclosed. The system detects whether the mobile device is in a moving vehicle. If so, a driving mode is set in which driving is determined to be protected driving if the reduced distraction program is being followed and unprotected if the reduced distraction program is not being followed. The system then tracks unprotected driving and protected driving and aggregates the unprotected driving and protected driving. A party is then notified regarding the aggregation of unprotected driving and protected driving. Other drivers can be asked to join the reduced driving distraction program and awards can be given to drivers for meeting pre-determined milestones of protected driving. Either the mobile device or a remote computer may aggregate driving and send notifications.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No.14/456,580, filed Aug. 11, 2014, which is incorporated by reference asif fully set forth.

BACKGROUND

Mobile communication devices such as smart phones and the like havebecome widespread and highly popular. Unfortunately, mobile devices areall-too-often used at inappropriate times such as when driving. This hascreated a desire by parents, guardians, employers and others to monitorthe use of mobile devices used by those under their supervision and torestrict their use during driving. However, overly restricting the useof mobile devices may end up sacrificing the safety and convenienceoffered by such devices while leading to active circumvention ofrestrictions by device users.

There are numerous systems that are currently available that reducedriving distractions when using mobile communication devices whendriving. Assuming that one does not need mobile communications whendriving, or assuming one can get another to use their mobilecommunication device, the simple On-Off button works great. In practice,that is not something to be relied on. Another approach is theinstallation of one or more of the currently available systems to deteruse of mobile devices when driving by automatically blocking access tosome or all of the functionalities of mobile devices when their ownersare found to be driving. Blocked functionalities can include blockingincoming calls, preventing outgoing calls, blocking text messages,shutting off ring tones and vibrations, and limiting or locking themobile device display.

Still, systems that minimize phone distractions while driving can resultin a rather solitary experience. As one becomes out of touch withfriends, family, office, employers, employees, customers, and servicesthe feeling of being left out and of not sharing experiences and ideaswith others can entice a driver to circumvent the safe driving systembeing used. This is a problem even for those that take safe driving veryseriously.

Therefore, a system that supports safe driving systems and that makessafe driving more interesting, more engaging, more useful and possiblyeven fun would be highly valuable.

SUMMARY

This Summary introduces simplified concepts that are further describedbelow in the Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments. ThisSummary is not intended to identify key features or essential featuresof the claimed subject matter and is not intended to be used to limitthe scope of the claimed subject matter.

A method is provided which includes transmitting a device controlapplication to a plurality of mobile devices. The device controlapplication is configured to access at least one of location data, suchas GPS data, and sensor data, such as acceleration data, of a particularmobile device on which the device control application is installed andthen to determine when the particular mobile device is in a movingvehicle based on the at least one of the location data and the sensordata. When in a moving vehicle the device control application disablesat least one functional component of the particular mobile device andprovides operation data corresponding to use of the device controlapplication on the particular mobile device to a particular user of theparticular mobile device via a user interface. Then, transmitting theoperation data through a network and which is received by a networkconnectable computing system from the plurality of mobile devicesoperation data corresponding to use of the device control application onthe plurality of mobile devices. The computing system performsaggregating the operation data from the plurality of mobile devices by aprocessor and then selectively transmitting the operation data of theplurality of mobile devices to users of the plurality of mobile devices.The device control application is further configured to provide to theuser of the particular mobile device via the user interface theoperation data of the plurality of mobile devices.

A mobile computing device (“particular mobile device) is provided whichincludes at least one non-transitory computer readable storage mediumhaving encoded thereon instructions that, when executed by one or moreprocessors, cause the particular mobile device to perform a process.That process includes accessing at least one of location data (such asGPS data) and sensor data (such as acceleration data) of the particularmobile device on which the device control application is installed;determining when the particular mobile device is in a moving vehiclebased on at least one of the location data and the sensor data; anddisabling at least one functional component of the particular mobiledevice based on determining that the particular mobile device is in amoving vehicle. The process further provides operation datacorresponding to the use of the device control application on theparticular mobile device to a user of the particular mobile device via auser interface, and transmits through a network the operation datacorresponding to use of the device control application on the particularmobile device. Operation data corresponding to the use of the devicecontrol application on a plurality of other mobile devices is receivedfrom a network connected computing system, and the operation data isprovided to the user of the particular mobile device via the userinterface.

A method is provided which includes using a processor to run a reduceddistraction program on a mobile device and detecting whether the mobiledevice is in a moving vehicle. If the mobile device is in a movingvehicle, then a driving mode is set in which driving is determined to beprotected driving if the reduced distraction program is being followedand unprotected driving if the reduced distraction program is not beingfollowed. Then, unprotected driving is tracked, protected driving istracked and unprotected driving and protected driving are aggregated.Then, a party is notified regarding the aggregation of unprotecteddriving and protected driving.

Aggregating can be performed using either or both a processor of themobile device or a processor of a remote computer. Detecting whether themobile device is in a moving vehicle can be performed automatically orpartially based on user input. The party that is notified can be thedriver, another driver, or a third party such as a parent or employer.The notification can include miles driven and/or times driven. An awardcan be granted to a driver for reaching a pre-determined protecteddriving milestone. A third party can also be notified that a reduceddistraction program is being followed, and that third party can be askedto join in following a reduced distraction program.

A mobile device is provided which includes a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having encoded thereon instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor causes the mobile device to perform processesincluding implementing a driving with reduced distraction system;detecting whether the mobile device is in a moving vehicle; and settinga driving mode when the mobile device is detected in a moving vehicle.The driving mode determines that driving is protected driving if thereduced distraction system is being followed and that driving isunprotected driving if the reduced distraction system is not beingfollowed. The mobile device then tracks unprotected driving andprotected driving. The user is informed about the status of the mobiledevice.

The mobile device can aggregate unprotected driving and protecteddriving or it can send unprotected driving and protected drivinginformation to a remote computer. Detecting whether the mobile device isin a moving vehicle can be performed automatically or it can be at leastpartially based on driver input. The mobile device can send anotification regarding the aggregation of unprotected driving andprotected driving. Aggregation can include miles driven and/orinformation regarding the times of driving. A party can be informedabout the aggregation. Additionally, at least parts of the aggregation,such as protected miles, can be displayed on the mobile device.

A computer system is provided which includes a non-transitory computerreadable storage medium having encoded thereon instructions that, whenexecuted by a processor causes the computer system to perform processesincluding receiving from a mobile device protected driving informationrepresenting driving in accord with a reduced distraction system andreceiving from the mobile device unprotected driving informationrepresenting driving not in accord with the reduced distraction system.The computer system tracks unprotected driving and protected driving andaggregates the tracked unprotected driving and the tracked protecteddriving. The mobile device sends a notification regarding theaggregation of at least the protected driving.

The notification can include miles driven or times driven. The computersystem can further determine if an award should be granted to the driverfor reaching a pre-determined protected driving milestone. That awardcan be published. The computer system can also notify a party regardingthe aggregation of unprotected driving and protected driving.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

A more detailed understanding may be had from the following detaileddescription when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.However, the figures in the drawings and the detailed description areexamples only and are not to be considered limiting as otherimplementations are possible. In the figures like reference numeralsindicate like elements, and wherein:

FIG. 1 presents a diagram of a network system suitable for practicing adriving without distraction system.

FIG. 2 is a depiction of the controls and settings of a mobile device 31shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a hierarchical view of the mobile device 31 shown in FIGS. 1and 2.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of the operation of the driving withoutdistraction system.

FIG. 5A-5F are exemplary screen shots of the mobile device 31 whenpracticing the driving without distraction system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT(S)

The described illustrative embodiments are not limiting. A personskilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments arepossible without deviating from the described basic concepts. The terms“a” and “an” as used herein do not denote a limitation of quantity butrather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items.

The driving without distraction (“DWD”) system 20 is a multi-partysafety support system that runs as an application on mobile devices andas software on a server or other computer system. The overall goal isimproving driving safety by supporting driver compliance with adistraction reduction system. The DWD system 20 is implemented onprocessor-controlled devices running in accord with computer programs.Those programs can be implemented in software or in firmware, and if insoftware the programs are beneficially stored on one or morenon-transitory computer-readable storage devices. As explained in moredetail subsequently, the DWD system 20 may be an independent app runningon a mobile device 31 (see FIG. 1) or it can be incorporated as part ofa larger driving distraction reduction system.

FIG. 1 illustrates a prototypical infrastructure suitable forimplementing the DWD system 20. A network carrier 25 operates aprocessor 13 controlled server 12 including a user database 16 and anetwork communication system 18. That communication system 18 should beunderstood as including a structure of cellular towers, internet links,phone lines, microwave towers, and other communication facilities. Theserver 12 runs in accord with internal operating software 16 whichsupports the network carrier 25 to perform its tasks of telephonecommunications, text messaging, data transferring, and implementing itspart of the DWD system 20.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the network carrier 25 is in communicationwith a mobile device 31 of a driver 35 and in further communication witha mobile device 32 of another driver referred to herein for convenienceas a second user 37. In practice there may be many second users 37. Themobile devices 31 and 32 are processor-based mobile devices that use thenetwork carrier's communication system 18. The second user 37 may be butis not necessarily in communication at any time with the driver 35.

In practice, the driver 35 may be a child or an employee of a thirdparty that directly or indirectly seeks to control the mobile device 31to implement a reduced driving distraction program. The DWD system 20 isdesigned to motivate the driver 35 to follow that reduced drivingdistraction program. In essence, the DWD system 20 improves drivingsafety by motivating drivers to follow a driving safety plan.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the network carrier 25 provides data, voice,picture, and other services to the driver 35 and possibly to the seconduser 37. It should be understood that some party, for example, thedriver's parent, employer, or the driver 35 himself/herself willimplement some type of reduced driving distraction setup in which themobile device 31 is controlled to have either totally or at leastreduced functionality when the driver 35 is driving. In practice, theDWD system 20 or portion thereof will be transmitted (such as from theserver 12) as a device control application to a plurality of mobiledevices such as the mobile devices 31 and 32. For example, the mobiledevice 31 can either be switched to, or it can automatically switch to,a driving state without ring tones, vibrations, lights, display, as wellas having reduced capabilities such as some or all incoming or outgoingcalls being blocked.

FIG. 2 illustrates the functional components of the mobile device 31. Asdescribed in more detail elsewhere the DWD system 20 is implemented as atop-level application that tracks the usage of a reduced drivingdistraction setup. As shown, the mobile device 31 has a number offeatures 40 and setting 42. Those features would typically be providedby the mobile device's OEM (original equipment manufacturer), theoperator of the network carrier 25 (such as by firmware control), oradded to the mobile device as an app (application). The settings 42control the features 40, for example, a volume control setting. Thefeatures 40 and the resources 46 of the mobile device 31 provide themobile device 31 with capabilities 44 such telephone communications,email capabilities, and alarms.

Reduced driving distraction programs and the automatic detection ofdriving are taught in numerous references, for example, in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/087,302, entitled, “System and Method forPreventing Mobile Device Communication,” filed on Apr. 14, 2011; U.S.patent application Ser. No. 13/217,093, entitled “System and Method forEnabling Control of Mobile Device Functional Components” filed on Aug.24, 2011; and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/329,382, entitled,“Driving Distraction Reduction System and Method,” filed on Jul. 11,2014 All of the foregoing documents are hereby incorporated by referencefor all purposes to the extent allowable by law and as if fullycontained herein.

Referring to FIG. 3, an automatic driving detection application(“driving detection app”) 163 is shown that accesses location data (e.g,GPS sensor data, cell tower triangulation data, or other device ornetwork based location data) and sensor data, specifically includingacceleration data from an accelerometer of the mobile device on whichthey are running. The driving detection app 163 is configured toactivate a sensor for example a GPS sensor or accelerometer and accessdata generated by such sensor. From that information and data thedriving detection app 163 and thus the DWD system 20 determines when amobile device 31, 32 is in a moving vehicle.

Still referring to FIG. 2, when the driving distraction programdetermines that the mobile device 31 is in a moving vehicle, either whenset by the user or as determined automatically, the mobile device 31displays an alternate user interface such as that shown in FIG. 5A onthe display 50 of the mobile device 31. The display 50 in FIG. 5A showsexplanatory text 62 including “Driving Mode”, “Device Locked”, and “Noincoming calls”, to describe a state of the mobile device 31. Thatalternate user interface can also include other messages listing thefunction or functions that are disabled. The display 50 can be set bythe DWD system 20 app or by the driving detection app 163.

FIG. 3 illustrates in abstract the hierarchical functioning of themobile device 31 from its basic hardware to the top level DWD system 20app. At the lowest abstraction level the mobile device 31 is acollection of basic hardware 102 devices. Such hardware 102 includesmemory 104 (which includes non-volatile memory), a central processorunit (“CPU”) 106, numerous sensors 108, including a GPS system and amotion sensor such as an accelerometer, along with their supportelectronics, input/output (“I/O”) 110 support (specifically includingdisplay screens and drivers, audio drivers and outputs, RF transceivers,etc.), and glue devices 112 as required to change voltage levels orsignal levels and to perform other interfacing as required for properhardware 102 functionally. As discussed above the outputs of the varioussensors are used to detect driving.

Turning specifically to the memory 104, that memory includesnon-transitory memory that retains both the operating system and the DWDsystem 20 app. The memory 104 also includes temporary RAM as required tooperate the mobile device 31.

The next level of abstract hierarchical progression is firmware 120, ifrequired. Firmware 120 is useful for enabling upgrading of the mobiledevice 31 by storing in the non-volatile memory of the memory 104various settings such as model numbers, version numbers, and controllingbits which establish a set of functions and which can limit or restrictthe capabilities of the mobile device 31. In practice, the networkcarrier 25 will often set the firmware 120 to work with thecommunication system 18 and with the capabilities desired by the networkcarrier 25.

Moving up the abstract hierarchical progression, above the firmware 120is an operating system 124. The operating system 124 provides a set ofcore software programs that manage the hardware 102 and firmware 120 andthat implement common services which support one or more applications,specifically including the DWD system 20 app.

The operating system 124 includes a low-level “kernel” routine 126 thathandles basic software integration to the firmware 120 and hardware 102and that implements underlying functions. Over the kernel 126 is a setof core services 130 that while still basic may change from time to timeor from family device to family device. The core services 130 aresoftware functions that support the on-board services of the mobiledevice 31. The core services 130 may include software routines thatsupport and enable the application framework such as graphics, websupport, messaging, location finding (GPS), system security,connectivity, telephony and a file system. Importantly, the applicationframework should be understood as including apps.

Overlaying the operating system 124 is the driving detection app 163.The driving detection app 163 automatically detects when the driver 35is driving a vehicle. The driving detection app 163 can be in accordwith any of the foregoing patent documents incorporated herein byreference above or it may be any other driving detection application.The driving detection app 163 may be supplemented by manual entry of adriving condition.

Moving up the abstract hierarchical progression, above the drivingdetection app 163 is the DWD system 20 app. As previously noted the DWDsystem 20 may be part of the driving detection app 163 or it may be astandalone application. The DWD system 20 app may be installed afterbeing downloaded from the network carrier 25, supplied by a third partyprovider, input by either the driver 35 or another (such as a parent),or may be supplied with the mobile device 31. Once installed, the DWDsystem 20 app can be set up to improve safety by supporting the driver35 to use and follow the tools available to reduce distractions whiledriving.

The DWD system 20 tracks driving in accord with the determination thatthe driver 35 is driving a vehicle. To enable the DWD system 20 toperform its function it must know when the driver 35 is driving. That isthe task performed by the driving detection app 163. Thus the DWD system20 uses information from the driving detection app 163 at least todetermine whether or not the driver 35 is driving, and whether ifdriving the driver 35 is using the driving detection app 163. Thosedeterminations are referred to herein as not driving, protected drivingwhen the driver is driving in accord with the driving detection app 163,and unprotected driving when the driver is driving but not in accordwith the driving detection app 163.

To determine that the driver 35 is driving, the CPU processor 106 actsunder the commands of the software code of the driving detection app 163and/or the DWD system 20 app. The location data (e.g., GPS data) and/orsensor data (e.g., accelerometer data) are processed to detect driving.When driving is detected, the driving detection app 163 and/or the DWDsystem 20 app adjust one or more of the settings 42 to disable at leastone functional component of the mobile device 31 (e.g., a feature 40,capability 44, or resource 46; reference FIG. 2). If the driver 35 isdriving unprotected (with the driving detection app 163 inactive), thenthe CPU processor 106 acts under the commands of the software code ofthe DWD system 20 app. Disabling a functional component can correspondto partially or completely disabling or modifying the functionalcomponent to reduce functionality of the mobile device. Such disabled ormodified functionality can correspond to voice calling, electronic textmessaging, and application execution. One useful approach is to disableall communications except to a particular party (such as a parent) orservice (such as 911).

The DWD system 20 is designed to motivate protected driving. FIG. 4presents a flow chart of the basic system 200 operations of the DWDsystem 20. The system 200 starts, step 202, and proceeds to determiningif driving is detected, step 204. As previously noted determining if thedriver 35 is driving can be done automatically or the driver can signalhe/she is driving. If driving is not detected a loop is entered untildriving is detected. However, the driving detection app 163 is alwaysoperating to enable the DWD system 20 to distinguish between protectedand unprotected driving.

If driving is detected in step 204, the system 200 causes the mobiledevice 31 to enter its driving mode, step 206. The driving mode enablesthe DWD system 20 to determine if the driver 35 is driving protected orunprotected depending on whether the mobile device 31 is switched to itssafe driving conditions. Safe driving conditions will typically shut offring-tones and vibrations and limit outgoing calls to emergency numbersonly. Typically the DWD system 20 app on the mobile device 31 willeither cause or allow the driving detection app 163 to display anotification on the display screen 50 of the mobile device 31 to thedriver. Referring to FIG. 5A, a screen display 50 of the mobile device31 shows an exemplary notification 61 indicating that the mobile device31 is locked, that incoming calls cannot be received, and that drivinghas been detected.

After the driving mode is entered the system 200 proceeds by trackingdriving, step 208, and then aggregating that tracked driving, step 210.To that end the mobile device 31 can track its own information andinform the server 12 about the driving status, and/or the server 12 cantrack driving for example via a network-based position determiningentity. In addition, the mobile device 31 provides the driver 35 withinformation about the use of the DWD system 20. Referring to FIG. 5B,the screen display 50 of the mobile device 31 provides operation dataincluding explanatory text 62 “Safe Driving Being Tracked” and anindication 63 of the protected miles driven (“Total Safe Driving Miles”)corresponding to the mobile device is operated with the DWD system 20active.

Tracked driving can include the status of whether driving is protectedor unprotected, the total miles in each status, and the total time ineach status. Tracked driving is sortable by locations in each status, bythe time of day in each status, by the roads traveled in each status, aspercentages of travel distances or travel times in each status, or anyother programmed factor. Driving can be tracked by recurring time spanssuch as daily, weekly, or monthly, length of time the mobile device isoperated with the DWD system 20 active, the time a particular mobiledevice is operated with the DWD system 20 operating relative to thetotal time the mobile device is operated. Additionally or alternatively,tracking can be by total aggregates from some chosen point in time(e.g., from when the app first launches).

If the mobile device 31 tracks its own information, the information issent to the server 12 over the network 25 for subsequent use by theserver 12. In addition, the server 12 receives tracked drivinginformation from a plurality of other drivers, such as the second user37, which are using their own DWD system 20.

While maintaining a record of the tracked driving of the DWD system 20on the mobile device 31 is a useful motivator for the driver 31 toactually use the driving detection app 163, motivation can be improvedby making use of the server's 12 records of the tracked driving of allusers of DWD systems 20. First, the server aggregates all of thoserecords (again, step 210) to provide grand totals and comparisons ofindividual rankings of drivers in protected driving verses unprotecteddriving status (such as by total miles, percentages, total times in eachstatus, times, locations, roads, or any other programmed factor). Theserver 12 can track by recurring time spans—such as daily, weekly, ormonthly or other programmed factor.

Once the server 12 has aggregated the driving records, the server 12then selectively determines whether or not to send notifications, step212 to other drivers. Such notifications can include transmittingoperation data to one or more users of DWD systems 20. Referring to FIG.5B for example, the DWD system 20 can cause the particular mobile device31 to display the indication 62 to show miles traveled in a protectedmode. Many other notifications are possible such as sending all usersaggregate information, their individual rankings, rankings of selectedother users, or other programmed notification. Operation data sent tothe mobile device 31 need not only be that of the driver 35, but canalso include operation data corresponding to another user, such as thesecond user 37, or corresponding to a group of drivers. That group ofdrivers may be taken from a particular geographic area or taken from aparticular social networking group. If notifications are to be sent, theserver 12 (or the mobile device 31) sends the notifications, step 214.

Notifications can be sent to the driver 35 and/or to the second user 37to notify them that the driver 35 is safely driving, to a third partysuch as a parent or an employer, or to another party. Notifications caninclude the tracked protected driving miles as shown in FIG. 5B, theaggregated driving totals in each status, and whether or not the driveris actually using the driving detection app 163 at any particular time.FIG. 5C shows an exemplary notification including explanatory text 64including “Warning! Driver Not Using Safe Driving Application” and anindication 65 of total unprotected miles driven (i.e., “Total UnsafeDriving Miles”).

The tracked driving aggregates in each status can be sent to theindividual users (driver 35/second user 37) as a motivational orinformational mechanism or to third parties to notify them of the statusof protected driving verses unprotected driving. In addition, commentsfrom the driver 35 can be sent to the second user 37 and vice versa.Referring to FIG. 5D, an exemplary invitation sent from the second user37 to the driver 35 is shown in which explanatory text 66 indicates thatthe second user “John Smith” is “using the Safe Driving Application”,and a button 67 labeled “Join Me” is provided for the driver 35 toactivate the DWD system 20 app and/or the driving detection app 163 toenable protected driving on the mobile device 31. Totals can also be setfor display by other users and to the wider community on web pages,mobile optimized web pages, and other communication mechanisms. Thissets up challenges to others to use their driving detection app 163 andthe DWD system 20 app to drive protected.

In addition, the total aggregate of protected driving can be displayedfor purposes of marketing, public relations, and goodwill as well asbeing a permanent safety record.

Driving status can be broken out by city, by other geographicboundaries, by friend groups, or by another affiliation with the goal toengender competition to drive more responsibly. The same can be donewith individuals' responsible driving totals within those groups—forexample letting users see how they stack up compared to their friends,colleagues, or neighbors.

If notifications are not to be sent per step 212, or after notificationshave been sent per step 214, a determination is made by a processor asto whether an award should be granted, step 216. In practice, individualusers or groups of users could be recognized for special achievements inresponsible driving and then so notified. Referring to FIG. 5E, an awardin the form of explanatory text 68 includes the description:“Congratulations. You have exceeded your goal.” Awards can be generatedbased on reaching special milestones such as total distance driven whileprotected (e.g. 10,000 protected driving miles), total aggregated timeof driving protected by consecutive days, weeks or months spent drivingprotected, high percentages of trips using protected driving, or forbeing among the highest users of protected driving as compared withother drivers.

If no award is to be given per step 216, or after such an award isprovided per step 218, the system 200 returns to step 204 for adetermination of whether the driver 31 is still driving.

In addition to the foregoing, the DWD system 20 system can facilitatecommunication between users. Examples include messaging between users(provided within the app or via external messaging apps) or basicinteractions, such as recognizing or applauding another's achievements.The DWD system 20 app can allow users to thank each other, regardless ofwhether or not the two users know each other, for using the app to driveresponsibly, reference the exemplary notification 69 of FIG. 5F.

Although features and elements are described above in particularcombinations, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that eachfeature or element can be used alone or in any combination with theother features and elements. Methods described herein may be implementedin a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in acomputer-readable medium for execution by a computer or processor.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: transmitting a particularreduced distraction application (“the particular application”) to aplurality of mobile devices, the particular application configured to:access at least one of location data or sensor data of a particularmobile device on which the particular application is installed;determine when the particular mobile device is in a moving vehicle basedon the at least one of the location data or the sensor data; set adriving mode based on determining that the particular mobile device isin a moving vehicle; provide operation data corresponding to use of theparticular application on the particular mobile device to a particularuser of the particular mobile device via a user interface, the operationdata comprising at least one of: distance traveled by the particularmobile device with the particular application active and a totaldistance traveled by the particular mobile device; or length of time theparticular mobile device is operated with the particular applicationactive and a total length of time the particular mobile device isoperated; and transmit the operation data through a network; receivingby a network connectable computing system from the plurality of mobiledevices operation data corresponding to use of the particularapplication on the plurality of mobile devices; aggregating by aprocessor the operation data from the plurality of mobile deviceswherein the aggregated operation data comprises at least one of:distance traveled by the plurality of mobile devices with the particularapplication active and a total distance traveled by the plurality ofmobile devices; or length of time the plurality of mobile devices areoperated with the particular application active and a total length oftime the plurality of mobile devices are operated; and selectivelytransmitting the operation data of the plurality of mobile devices to aplurality of users of the plurality of mobile devices, the particularapplication further configured to provide to the particular user of theparticular mobile device via the user interface the operation data ofthe plurality of mobile devices.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising activating at least one of an accelerometer or a GPS sensorto access the at least one of the location data or the sensor data. 3.The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively transmittingawards to the plurality of users based on at least one of: the distancetraveled by the plurality of mobile devices with the particularapplication active and the total distance traveled by the plurality ofmobile devices; or the length of time the plurality of mobile devicesare operated with the particular application active and the total lengthof time the plurality of mobile devices are operated.
 4. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: comparing the operation data from theplurality of mobile devices; and providing to at least one of theplurality of mobile devices comprising the particular user of theparticular mobile device a ranking of the operation data based on atleast one of: the distance traveled by the plurality of mobile deviceswith the particular application active and the total distance traveledby the plurality of mobile devices; or the length of time the pluralityof mobile devices are operated with the particular application activeand the total length of time the plurality of mobile devices areoperated; wherein the particular application is configured to provide tothe particular user of the particular mobile device via the userinterface the ranking of the operation data of the particular userrelative to the operation data of others of the plurality of users. 5.The method of claim 1, further comprising providing to the particularuser of the particular mobile device based on the aggregated operationdata via the user interface an indication of at least one of: a distancetraveled by the particular user without the particular applicationactive and the distance traveled by the particular user with theparticular application active; a distance traveled by the plurality ofusers without the particular application active and the distancetraveled by the plurality of users with the particular applicationactive; a length of time the particular mobile device operated withoutthe particular application active and the length of time the particularmobile device operated with the particular application active; a lengthof time the plurality of mobile devices operated without the particularapplication active and the length of time the plurality of mobiledevices operated with the particular application active; or a distancedtraveled by the particular user without the particular applicationactive relative to the distance traveled by the particular user with theparticular application active.
 6. A method comprising: running a reduceddistraction program on a plurality of mobile devices; detecting via thereduced distraction program when the plurality of mobile devices are inrespective ones of a plurality of moving vehicles; setting for theplurality of mobile devices a driving mode when detected in therespective ones of the plurality of moving vehicles, wherein driving isdetermined to be protected driving when the reduced distraction programis being followed and unprotected driving when the reduced distractionprogram is not being followed; tracking the protected driving of theplurality of mobile devices; aggregating the protected driving of theplurality of mobile devices; comparing the protected driving of theplurality of mobile devices; and notifying a particular user of at leastone of the plurality of mobile devices via the reduced distractionprogram of the comparing of protected driving of the plurality of mobiledevices.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising activating via thereduced distraction program at least one of an accelerometer or a GPSsensor to detect when the plurality of mobile devices are in therespective ones of a plurality of moving vehicles.
 8. The method ofclaim 6, wherein the notifying comprises providing the particular userof the at least one of the plurality of mobile devices a ranking of theparticular user relative to other users of the plurality of mobiledevices based on the comparing of the protected driving of the pluralityof mobile devices.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the notifyingcomprises providing the particular user of the at least one of theplurality of mobile devices an award based on the comparing of theprotected driving of the plurality of mobile devices.
 10. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising: tracking the unprotected driving of theplurality of mobile devices; and aggregating the unprotected driving ofthe plurality of mobile devices; wherein the comparing comprisescomparing the protected driving relative to the unprotected driving ofthe plurality of mobile devices.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein theprotected driving relative to the unprotected driving of the pluralityof mobile devices comprises a percentage of trips of the particular userwith the reduced distraction program being followed.
 12. A methodcomprising: transmitting a particular reduced distraction application(“the particular application”) to a plurality of mobile devices of aplurality of users, the particular application configured to: access atleast one of location data or sensor data of a particular mobile deviceon which the particular application is installed; determine when theparticular mobile device is in a moving vehicle based on the at leastone of the location data or the sensor data; set a driving mode based ondetermining that the particular mobile device is in a moving vehicle;provide operation data indicating use of the particular application onthe particular mobile device to a particular user of the particularmobile device via a user interface, and transmit the operation datathrough a network; receiving by a network connectable computing systemfrom the plurality of mobile devices operation data indicating use ofthe particular application on the plurality of mobile devices;aggregating the operation data from the plurality of mobile devices andcomparing by at least one processor the operation data of the particularuser with the operation data of at least one of the plurality of usersother than the particular user; and selectively transmitting theoperation data of the plurality of mobile devices to the plurality ofusers of the plurality of mobile devices, the particular applicationfurther configured to provide to the particular user of the particularmobile device via the user interface results of the comparing.
 13. Themethod of claim 12, the operation data comprising at least one of:distance traveled with the particular application active by theparticular mobile device; length of time the particular mobile device isoperated with the particular application active; distance traveled withthe particular application active relative to a total distance traveledby the particular mobile device; or length of time the particular mobiledevice is operated with the particular application active relative to atotal time the particular mobile device is operated.
 14. The method ofclaim 12, wherein the selectively transmitted operation data of theplurality of mobile devices includes operation data corresponding to aparticular group of the plurality of users corresponding to at least oneof a particular geographic area or a particular social networking group.15. The method of claim 12, further comprising: rendering the operationdata of the plurality of mobile devices accessible by users of theplurality of mobile devices on a network-connected server system; andselectively transmitting the operation data of the plurality of mobiledevices to users of the plurality of mobile devices via thenetwork-connected server system.
 16. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising: determining that the operation data of the particular mobiledevice exceeds a particular threshold; and notifying the particular userof the particular mobile device that the operation data exceeds theparticular threshold.
 17. The method of claim 12, further comprising:determining that aggregated operation data of mobile devices of aparticular group of the plurality of users exceeds a particularthreshold; and notifying the particular group of the plurality of usersthat the operation data exceeds the particular threshold; wherein theoperation data comprises at least one of: aggregate distance traveledwith the particular application active on the mobile devices of theparticular group; aggregate length of time the mobile devices of theparticular group are operated with the particular application active;aggregate distance traveled by the mobile devices of the particulargroup with the particular application active relative to a totaldistance traveled by the mobile devices of the particular group; oraggregate length of time the mobile devices of the particular group areoperated with the particular application active relative to a total timethe mobile devices of the particular group are operated.
 18. The methodof claim 12, wherein the at least one of the location data or the sensordata comprises location data from a global positioning system (“GPS”)sensor, the method further comprising activating the GPS sensor toaccess the at least one of the location data or the sensor data.
 19. Themethod of claim 12, wherein the at least one of the location data or thesensor data comprises acceleration data from an accelerometer on theparticular mobile device, the method further comprising activating atleast one of an accelerometer or a GPS sensor on the particular mobiledevice to access the at least one of the location data or the sensordata.
 20. A method comprising: using a processor to run a reduceddistraction program on a particular mobile device; detecting with theprocessor whether the particular mobile device is in a moving vehicle;setting a driving mode when the particular mobile device is detected ina moving vehicle, wherein driving is determined to be protected drivingif the reduced distraction program is being followed and unprotected ifthe reduced distraction program is not being followed; trackingunprotected driving of the particular mobile device; tracking protecteddriving of the particular mobile device; aggregating unprotected drivingand protected driving; and notifying a party regarding the aggregationof tracked unprotected driving and tracked protected driving.
 21. Themethod of claim 20, wherein the aggregating is performed using aprocessor of the particular mobile device.
 22. The method of claim 20,wherein the aggregating is performed using a processor of a remotecomputer.
 23. The method of claim 20, further comprising: determining anaward should be granted based on the aggregating of the trackedunprotected driving and tracked protected driving; and transmitting theaward to the party, wherein the party comprises a user of the particularmobile device.
 24. The method of claim 20, further comprising:determining an award should be granted for reaching a pre-determinedprotected driving milestone based on the aggregating of the trackedunprotected driving and tracked protected driving; and transmitting theaward to the party, wherein the party comprises a user of the particularmobile device.
 25. A mobile computing device (“the particular mobiledevice”) comprising at least one non-transitory computer readablestorage medium having encoded thereon instructions that, when executedby one or more processors, cause the particular mobile device to performa process by a particular reduced distraction application (“theparticular application”) including: activating at least one of anaccelerometer or a GPS sensor to access at least one of location data orsensor data of the particular mobile device on which the particularapplication is installed; determining when the particular mobile deviceis in a moving vehicle based on the at least one of the location data orthe sensor data; setting a driving mode based on determining that theparticular mobile device is in a moving vehicle; providing operationdata indicating use of the particular application on the particularmobile device to a particular user of the particular mobile device via auser interface of the particular mobile device; transmitting through anetwork the operation data corresponding to use of the particularapplication on the particular mobile device; selectively receiving froma network-connected computing system operation data corresponding to useof the particular application on a plurality of other mobile devices ofa plurality of users other than the particular user; comparing theoperation data of the particular user with the operation data of atleast one of the plurality of users other than the particular user; andproviding to the particular user of the particular mobile device via theuser interface results of the comparing.
 26. The particular mobiledevice of claim 25, wherein providing to the particular user the resultsof the comparing comprises providing a ranking of the operation data ofthe particular user compared with the operation data of at least one ofthe plurality of users other than the particular user.
 27. Theparticular mobile device of claim 26, wherein the providing the rankingis based on at least one of: distance traveled by the plurality of othermobile devices with the particular application active, total distancetraveled by the plurality of other mobile devices, distance traveled bythe particular mobile device with the particular application active, andtotal distance traveled by the particular mobile device; or length oftime the plurality of other mobile devices are operated with theparticular application active, total length of time the plurality ofother mobile devices are operated, length of time the particular mobiledevice is operated with the particular application active, and totallength of time the particular mobile device is operated.